Call me Betsy Ross or a Patriotic Pollyanna, but I love to see our American flag billowing in the wind. I get especially emotional on long road trips, when I crest a hill on a highway and see the oversized American flags that are typically displayed at our car dealerships. There is something so beautiful and so moving about the flag whipping in the wind in all its glory and freedom. Don't you agree?
It reminds me of the freedom I enjoy and brings me right back
to that battle ship when after a long night of heavy fire, Francis Scott Key
peered through his spyglass and saw an American flag waving. To me, the
flag reminds me of that battle-weary soldier and that very moment when his hope
was rising, encouraged by the sight of Ol' Glory. The American flag reminds me
to 'soldier on', to never give up, to expect the hope of Glory rising. The
American flag reminds me of my steadfast hope I have in God who never gives up
on us or our country - our birthright.
On September 13, 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote The Star
Spangled Banner, our national anthem inspired by that event. And, today, over
200 years later, I am riveted by the same flag. For me, the American Flag is a
symbol of freedom and faithfulness, a symbol of wars and victory, a symbol of
unity and pride, a symbol that we are One Nation Under God.
My patriotic pride wells up in me, as it did for Francis
Scott Key after the Battle in the Baltimore Harbor and enduring ruthless
bombing from the British. I am so very grateful to be an American. I love
God and I love my country and I want America to remain free for the next
generation, too. I want us to live in the promises God has for each of us and
for our America.
I am inspired to recognize Flag Day, June 14, the day our
American flag was adopted in 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental
Congress. It also happens to be the birthday of the United States Army. As a
former Army wife for 23 years and an author of The Military Family: A Casualty of
War No More!, I find
that an extra special reason to recognize this day.
But, I see it as more, more than just a flag flying or a day
to recognize it, I see it as a symbol of our shared values and a symbol of
esprit de corps. I dream about the day The Flag Brigade (learn more at
www.sweetlifeusa.com), is adopted by HOA's across America and visitors from
other countries and residents are greeted with a wave of American Flags in
every neighborhood. I see it as a sign of unity and strength and a statement of
patriotic pride that brings joy bubbling out of me and unites neighbor to
neighbor with one common bond. I also see it as an expression of our 2nd
amendment right: Don't mess with Texas. We stand for America and everything this
flag symbolizes. We are willing to post our flags, defend our freedom and stand
together as a formidable force, some might say, if you're not with us, if you
are disrespecting this flag and this country, then, Delta is ready when you
are.
It is my dream to see American flags flying in front of every
home across America in this season, at this time. While we have the privilege
to fly a flag any day we choose and no one can regulate differently (see
www.usflag.org), so few Americans make the effort to do this. My vision is to
change this by making the process easier with a subscription-based flag service
(learn more at www.sweetlifeusa.com),to simplify the process so that every
American can fly a flag without the excuse or burden of installing one. This
has been my dream since 9/11. Just so happens, there is a neighborhood right here
in my own hometown that shares my love of country and flag. Take a drive over
to St. Simon's Cove this Memorial Day weekend or any upcoming Federal holiday
and see how 48 homes have American flags waving. It will inspire you to do the
same in your own neighborhood. (If you are interested, give me a shout and I'll
simplify the process for you to lead the way in your own neighborhood). Together,
we can paint America a sea of red, white and blue and inspire patriotic pride
and a united and restored America.
We are free to fly the flag when we choose, but
wouldn't it be terrific if we all chose to every day? There are established
days when we are encouraged to fly our flags from President's Day to Memorial
Day and Flag Day, Fourth of July, Patriot's Day and more. The Flag should be
displayed from sunrise to sunset on all days, weather permitting. Respect the
flag, do your homework before you fly the flag. But, I have an even bigger
dream for America.
My dream is to see American flags fly often and at a minimum,
these designated days and additionally, Memorial Day through Fourth of July for
37 days, during a designated annual observance of Patriotism, called The
Spirit of America Days. (Join me in my Dream for America,
www.sweetlifeusa.com). It is a non-partisan, 'every person who lives on
American soil' action plan that focuses on Patriotism, Volunteerism,
Re-dedication to Family, Neighbor Nights, Fourth of July parades, Exploring
America - #YourAmerica, #FindYourPark - and more - because #AmericaMatters. Back in the day,
Uncle Sam wanted us for duty for war, today is the day, I'm recruiting my fellow
Americans for duty to create unity and renew patriotism, to support SAM
Days for Uncle Sam and for God & Country because I believe All Things Are
Possible for me, you and America!
